The more I study and write the more I am drawn closer to God. and the less I want for self. yet there are still times I fail, I get up dust myself off and go on. Today I am going to bare a little more of my heart and soul, allow you to see a part of me that is not normally visible. I came across the verse Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer” in the course of doing research for this post, and it is what has pushed me to ba a little more forth coming with what I am about to write.
I have a skin condition known as psoriasis, and I have had it from the time i was about 6 or so. A lot of my physical and emotional problems have stemmed from psoriasis. causing me to constantly scratch, or be uncomfortable, and at times made fun of. the wors thought is about 2 years or so ago I came down with the arthritis that can accompany this skin disorder. The pain in my joints causing me to wince more than I care to think about, or prohibiting me from doing more things I would like to. The psoriatic arthritis is a debilitating disease, and I wish no one ever had to live with it. This is my affliction, tribulation if you will. I feel God has given me this, for what I am not always sure, but I feel better physically when I am doing what he commands.
I have Prayer, it helps me manage some of the discomfort, as well as allows God to communicate with me. Praying is my life line and connection to God, knowing he is there allows me to know he has allowed me this to teach me something. prayer also lets you tap into the main power source, and shows God that you are there for him and not just when you want something. Prayer is a beautifully intimate act, and better yet God wants it. He wants you to come to him, because he wants to impart and instill insight and wisdom.
Lastly hope, I hold the truth that when I pass from this earth I will no longer have to deal with this earthly body. I will be free of pain, and able to do the things I once was able to. Hope helps me in times of the worst pain, knowing full well my savior died on a cross for me, and that pain was immensely more horrific than my own. I have hope.
Every morning I wake up, and am thankful.
yahweh shalom
ecko